Breaking News: Court Decision on Formaldehyde

Late yesterday, industry trade associations including NAHB reached an agreement with EPA and the Sierra Club on how the formaldehyde rule will be implemented. A suit filed by the Sierra Club against EPA challenging a rule implementation extension would have disrupted the supply chain for cabinets, flooring and other composite wood products—causing increased prices and reduced product availability for remodelers.

NAHB joined with other trade associations to file a brief in the case urging the court to uphold the extension, which included a statement from former NAHB Remodelers Chair Robert Criner on how the anticipated production disruptions would hurt his business and employees.

NAHB has worked to protect members’ interests throughout the entire formaldehyde rule development process, including playing a key role in clarifying the rule in 2016, ensuring that remodelers were not treated as “fabricators” and forced to comply with product testing and tracking requirements.

Yesterday’s agreement provides certainty to the composite wood industry, and in turn, the remodelers and builders that rely on these products.